Terms of Reference for TDA/SAP Consultant “Reducing Trans-boundary Degradation of the Kura-Aras River Basin” (UNDP/GEF – PDF-B) Background The Kura-Aras river system is the principal source of water for industry, agriculture, residential uses and energy in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, Iran and Turkey. The rivers are important to regional cooperation in the region as they cross and form many of the borders. Both rivers are very seriously degraded. Water quality is seriously impaired by the dumping of untreated municipal, industrial, medical and agricultural wastes and by huge sedimentation loads resulting from upstream deforestation. Water quantity is seriously affected by uncoordinated damming, over use of water for agricultural and hydropower purposes, and watershed degradation. Integrated, inter-country efforts are urgently required to reverse the ongoing degradation of these river ecosystems. The proposed project aims to ensure that the quality and quantity of the water throughout the Kura-Aras river system meets the short and long-term needs of the ecosystem and of the communities using the ecosystem. The project will achieve its objectives by: fostering regional cooperation; increasing capacity to address water quality and quantity problems; demonstrating water quality/quantity improvements; initiating required policy and legal reforms; identifying and preparing priority investments and; developing sustainable management and financial arrangements. The project is currently in its preparatory phase (PDF B). The PDF B will specifically finance the following: -
establishment of coordination and management framework development of a public involvement plan and pilot projects for public awareness development of a transboundary diagnostic analysis creation of a basin vision development of a regional Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and National Action Plans donors’ conference in support of the SAP production of a GEF SAP implementation project
Duties: The TDA-SAP consultant will assist the CTA to facilitate the TDA-SAP process in accordance with the GEF best practice guidelines. Help prepare materials for the key TDA/SAP workshops Qualifications Post graduate qualification in environmental management, environmental economics, international development, or related discipline; Demonstrated understanding of the socio-economic processes that lead to degradation of international waters;
Demonstrated experience in international water project management and/or project design; Demonstrated experience in the TDA/SAP Processes, including familiarity with methodologies to be employed in multiple analyses and Best Practices of IWLearn; At least five years demonstrated and successful experience in preparing and implementing projects which have successfully conserved water ecosystems, with some of this experience in countries with economies in transition; Demonstrated ability to discuss, negotiate and facilitate inter-governmental consultations in the region; Full knowledge of GEF procedures and structures; and familiarity with UNDP operational procedures; Duty Station: Home office, Caucasus region, project offices, and other offices as needed Duration: 30 days over nine month period beginning October 1st 2005. Tasks: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Provide assistance and support to CTA throughout the TDA and SAP process Review of PDF-B, including WorkPlan, Logframe, and country reports /advice on selection of Steering Committee members to best facilitate SAP processes Provide training, input for NFPs and staff on GEF procedures and expectations In consultation with the CTA and national teams, through obtaining timely information, finalise the TDA and SAP and submit to UNDP/GEF and all governments; 6. Provide support to incorporate the comments of the governments, SIDA, UNDP/REGP, UNDP/GEF, GEF Secretariat and Council, Steering Committee and other relevant committees into the TDA and SAP Outputs • • • •
Workplans, TORs, comments on national experts work; TDA and SAP workshop preparatory materials and final reports Review of TDA and SAP and component NAPs Final summary report on lessons learned regarding TDA/SAP methodology and approach to be submitted to GEF